The upcoming change from First Engagements to New Student Orientation for the upcoming school year has raised eyebrows. Students and faculty alike have questioned the change. If you started your freshman year here at Transylvania University, then you most likely experienced First Engagements. You would go to a class, work with a professor and student leader, and participate in engaging events to get to know your classmates. Director of Student Success Jessie Rowe provided me with information regarding the new orientation to clarify what is different about the two and what inspired the change.
According to the descriptions listed in the “2025 New Student Orientation Position Descriptions” document within the Orientation Leader applications, “New Student Orientation at Transylvania University is a comprehensive program designed to help incoming students transition into college life. It includes campus tours, group discussions, social events, and academic workshops that foster community, build connections, and introduce students to campus resources. The program ensures students feel welcomed, supported, and prepared for their journey at Transy.”
The New Student Orientation carries a similar intention as First Engagements in that it provides the opportunity for social connection and community building. Advising and registration will be a bit different, but will still prioritize preparing incoming students. The largest difference is the class portion of First Engagements, and the credit that comes with it, has been eliminated. The dates have also been adjusted to make orientation closer to the first day of classes. Originally, new students would arrive on campus a week early, ending the FE program by the weekend. This gave new students a slight break before diving into their first semester at Transy. Now, it is planned for students to arrive on campus in the middle of the week, with the program extended to Labor Day, the Monday before classes begin. Though this does remove the small break before the semester, it could potentially allow a seamless transition into the beginning of college. The effects of these changes are currently unknown, so there is no telling whether or not it will benefit incoming students.
The new program welcomes new positions available that differ slightly from the previous First Engagements Scholars we were used to: New Student Orientation Coordinators and Orientation Leaders. These two are described as follows according to the application form. “New Student Orientation Coordinators oversee the orientation process, manage Orientation Leaders, and ensure the smooth execution of activities and events. They act as the primary point of contact for Leaders, providing guidance and support. Orientation Leaders are student mentors who assist incoming students during Orientation. Each leader is assigned a cohort of new students, helping them navigate the transition to college, build connections, and feel supported. Leaders report to Coordinators, who guide and supervise their efforts. They play a key role in fostering community, offering academic support, and addressing student needs. Leaders are expected to maintain a strong presence at events, uphold professionalism, and complete administrative tasks, contributing to the success of new students and supporting the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
As previously mentioned, the intent of New Student Orientation is quite similar to First Engagements. Some unchanged elements include move-in day, which will be as it usually is, along with class Transy traditions such as the coin ceremony, greet line, and class picture. Social events will still be a major part of the orientation and the role of student leaders remains the same. The reshaping of the program intends to place more focus on transitioning to university living, providing opportunities for engagement amongst peers, creating community, and promoting the success of the incoming freshmen class.
If you have any additional questions regarding the New Student Orientation, contact Jessie Rowe jrowe@transy.edu
